The Many Ways to Deal with STING

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an adaptor protein involved in the activation of IFN-β and many other genes associated with the immune response activation in vertebrates. STING induction has gained attention from different angles such as the potential to trigger an early immune response against different signs of infection and cell damage, or to be used as an adjuvant in cancer immune treatments. Pharmacological control of aberrant STING activation can be used to mitigate the pathology of some autoimmune diseases. The STING structure has a well-defined ligand binding site that can harbor natural ligands such as specific purine cyclic di-nucleotides (CDN). In addition to a canonical stimulation by CDNs, other non-canonical stimuli have also been described, whose exact mechanism has not been well defined. Understanding the molecular insights underlying the activation of STING is important to realize the different angles that need to be considered when designing new STING-binding molecules as therapeutic drugs since STING acts as a versatile platform for immune modulators. This review analyzes the different determinants of STING regulation from the structural, molecular, and cell biology points of view.This work was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación PID2019-105761RBI00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. J.A-H. was supported by the PFIS fellowship co-funded by the FEDER/FSE and the ISCIII.S

Steric and Electronic Effects on the Structure and Photophysical Properties of Hg(II) Complexes

Altres ajuts: Acord transformatiu CRUE-CSICAltres ajuts: Fundació La Caixa (projectes CB615921 i CB616406)Since many factors influence the coordination around a metal center, steric and electronic effects of the ligands mainly determine the connectivity and, thus, the final arrangement. This is emphasized on Hg(II) centers, which have a zero point stabilization energy and, thus, a flexible coordination environment. Therefore, the unrestricted Hg(II) geometry facilitates the predominance of the ligands during the structural inception. Herein, we synthesized and characterized a series of six Hg(II) complexes with general formula (Hg(Pip)2(dPy)) (Pip = piperonylate, dPy = 3-phenylpyridine (3-phpy) (1), 4-phenylpyridine (4-phpy) (2), 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy) (3), 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-phen) (4), 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (terpy) (5), or di(2-picolyl)amine (dpa) (6)). The elucidation of their crystal structures revealed the arrangement of three monomers (3, 5, and 6), one dimer (4), and two coordination polymers (1 and 2) depending on the steric requirements of the dPy and predominance of the ligands. Besides, the study of their photophysical properties in solution supported by TD-DFT calculations enabled us to understand their electronic effects and the influence of the structural arrangement on them

Steric and Electronic Effects on the Structure and Photophysical Properties of Hg(II) Complexes

Since many factors influence the coordination around a metal center, steric and electronic effects of the ligands mainly determine the connectivity and, thus, the final arrangement. This is emphasized on Hg(II) centers, which have a zero point stabilization energy and, thus, a flexible coordination environment. Therefore, the unrestricted Hg(II) geometry facilitates the predominance of the ligands during the structural inception. Herein, we synthesized and characterized a series of six Hg(II) complexes with general formula (Hg(Pip)2(dPy)) (Pip = piperonylate, dPy = 3- phenylpyridine (3-phpy) (1), 4-phenylpyridine (4-phpy) (2), 2,2′- bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) (3), 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-phen) (4), 2,2′:6′,2′-terpyridine (terpy) (5), or di(2-picolyl)amine (dpa) (6)). The elucidation of their crystal structures revealed the arrangement of three monomers (3, 5, and 6), one dimer (4), and two coordination polymers (1 and 2) depending on the steric requirements of the dPy and predominance of the ligands. Besides, the study of their photophysical properties in solution supported by TD-DFT calculations enabled us to understand their electronic effects and the influence of the structural arrangement on them

Diseños de rúbricas de proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio en el ámbito de la actividad física y del deporte: una revisión narrativa

L’article té per objectiu presentar una revisió narrativa dels dissenys de rúbriques d’avaluació en projectes d’aprenentatge servei per establir una fonamentació aplicable a l’àmbit de l’activitat física i l’esport. L'anàlisi de les bases de dades nacionals i internacionals utilitzades tenen en compte la literatura científica desenvolupada sobre el tema entre els anys 2017 i 2021. Es van obtenir 49 resultats dels quals es van seleccionar 18 publicacions. La major part de les rúbriques analitzades tenen un caràcter general per aplicar a les diferents etapes educatives i, sobretot, a la formació universitària. Els objectius de les rúbriques se centren en l'avaluació (o autoavaluació) de la qualitat de la implementació de projectes d'aprenentatge servei i sobre el rol dels interlocutors que hi participen. Les rúbriques tenen formats diversos en funció de l'objectiu plantejat. Es conclou amb la necessitat d'ampliar els estudis, i per tant també la literatura, sobre les rúbriques destinades a l'avaluació d'altres aspectes rellevants com podrien ser la qualitat del servei generat o la qualitat de l'aprenentatge profund i transformador.This article presents a narrative review of the designs of evaluation rubrics in service-learning projects to establish a foundation applicable to the field of physical activity and sport. A bibliographic review was carried out in different databases between the years 2017 and 2021. 49 results were obtained from which 18 publications were selected. Most of the rubrics analyzed have a general character to apply in the different educational stages and, above all, in university training. The objectives of the rubrics focus on the evaluation (or self-evaluation) of the quality of the implementation of SL projects and on the role of the interlocutors who participate in them. The rubrics have different formats depending on the objective set. We conclude about the possibility to expand the studies, and therefore also the literature, about the rubrics destined to other relevant aspects of evaluation such as the quality of the service generated or the quality of deep and transformative learning.El artículo tiene por objetivo presentar una revisión narrativa de los diseños de rúbricas de evaluación en proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio para establecer una fundamentación aplicable al ámbito de la actividad física y el deporte. El análisis de las bases de datos nacionales e internacionales utilizadas tienen en cuenta la literatura científica desarrollada sobre el tema entre los años 2017 y 2021. Se obtuvieron 49 resultados de los cuales se seleccionaron 18 publicaciones. La mayor parte de las rúbricas analizadas tienen un carácter general para aplicar en las diferentes etapas educativas y, sobre todo, en la formación universitaria. Los objetivos de las rúbricas se centran en la evaluación (o autoevaluación) de la calidad de la implementación de proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio y sobre el rol de los interlocutores que participan en ellos. Las rúbricas tienen diversos formatos en función del objetivo planteado. Se concluye la necesidad de ampliar los estudios, y por consiguiente también la literatura, sobre las rúbricas destinadas a la evaluación de otros aspectos relevantes como podrían ser la calidad del servicio generado o la calidad del aprendizaje profundo y transformador

Tuning Photophysical Properties by p-Functional Groups in Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes with Piperonylic Acid

Aggregation between discrete molecules is an essential factor to prevent aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). Indeed, functional groups capable of generating strong hydrogen bonds are likely to assemble and cause ACQ and photoinduced electron transfer processes. Thus, it is possible to compare absorption and emission properties by incorporating two ligands with a different bias toward intra- and intermolecular interactions that can induce a specific structural arrangement. In parallel, the π electron-donor or electron-withdrawing character of the functional groups could modify the Highest Ocuppied Molecular Orbital (HOMO)-Lowest Unocuppied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energy gap. Reactions of M(OAc)2·2H2O (M = Zn(II) and Cd(II); OAc = acetate) with 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid (Piperonylic acid, HPip) and 4-acetylpyridine (4-Acpy) or isonicotinamide (Isn) resulted in the formation of four complexes. The elucidation of their crystal structure showed the formation of one paddle-wheel [Zn(μ-Pip)2(4-Acpy)]2 (1); a mixture of one dimer and two monomers [Zn(µ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)2]2·2[Zn(Pip)2(HPip)(Isn)]·2MeOH (2); and two dimers [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(4-Acpy)2]2 (3) and [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)2]2·MeOH (4). They exhibit bridged (1, µ2-η1:η1), bridged, chelated and monodentated (2, µ2-η1:η1, µ1-η1:η1 and µ1-η1), or simultaneously bridged and chelated (3 and 4, µ2-η2:η1) coordination modes. Zn(II) centers accommodate coordination numbers 5 and 6, whereas Cd(II) presents coordination number 7. We have related their photophysical properties and fluorescence quantum yields with their geometric variations and interactions supported by TD-DFT calculations

960-84 Ramdomized Prospective Comparison of Four Burst Pacing Algorithms for Spontaneous Ventricular Tachycardia

Burst antitachycardia pacing (ATP) is higly efficacious for termination of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (MVT). Since several pacing sequences are usually programmed as a single therapy. optimal programming is presently unknown. In 40 patients (P) with MVT and a 3rd generation AICD, 4 burst ATP were prospectively compared (as afirst single ATP) during followup in a randomized design crossing over every 2–3 months. Burst ATP modes (A to D) were defined by pacing cycle length (PCL, as % of VTCL) and number of beats (No B) (Table). A second ATP zone was programmed in a non selected way in all patientsResults (Table)374 episodes (317 considered MVT) received ATP therapies in 23 patients. RR intervals could be retrieved for MVT-CL analysis in 168 episodes. Succes rate of combined first (randomized) and second (non selected) therapies was 92%. Acceleration rate estimation was 2%.TherapyABCDglobalpPCL/No B91/781/791/1581/15AllVT68%46%85%61%69%<0.001VTCL < 350*82%14%44%38%47%0.03VTCL> 350°73%100%91%86%90%ns*Cl < 350: group of Mvr with Cl < 350ms°Cl > 350: Mvr with Cl > 350msConclusions1. Efficacy of the tested burst pacing modes differs significantly, at least in fast VT. 2. Contrary to what could be expected. “less agressive” bursts seem to be more efficacious, even in fast VT

Experiences of mining engineering students in cooperation for development

Future engineers, in addition to technical knowledge, should incorporate in their academic curricula aspects that contribute to make mining a sustainable activity. This will contribute to changing the concept that society has about mining and to be a socially accepted activity. In the mining engineering studies at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), students have the opportunity to develop cooperation projects together with professors and other staff members. They all collaborate with artisanal miners from different underdeveloped countries, mainly from Latin America, and contribute to making mining more environmentally friendly. Moreover, they have the opportunity to acquire a social sensitivity that can be of great importance during the development of their professional career. This study presents some experiences of undergraduate, master, and doctoral students in cooperation activities in mining. The projects were developed as a collaboration between UPC and universities or NOGs in Latin America. The activities have been carried out in underdeveloped areas where mining is practiced with a high environmental impact and poor use of resources. A survey among the participants in the projects shows the students' favourable perception of this activity.This work has been carried out with the support of the Centre de Cooperació per al Desenvolupament (CCD-UPC), which financed the Cooperation projects. We thank the NGO Mineria per al Desenvolupament for its contribution to the development of the projects

Hacia una educación física comprometida con la sociedad

La educación física dirigida al desarrollo de la persona y su socialización, así como a la promoción de una vida saludable debería asegurar una relación y compromiso directo con el contexto social. Con este objetivo, se presentan diferentes propuestas de ApS que han sido realizadas con éxito en diferentes etapas educativas